Police help family of Nathan

Bill Hall

Wednesday

Nov 27, 2013 at 12:01 AM

SWANSEA — Cops for Kids with Cancer presented a holiday gift to the family of Nathan Lambert of Swansea with a check of $5,000 to the family this past Thursday morning at the Swansea Police Headquarters.

SWANSEA — Cops for Kids with Cancer presented a holiday gift to the family of Nathan Lambert of Swansea with a check of $5,000 to the family this past Thursday morning at the Swansea Police Headquarters.

Robert Faherty, retired superintendent in chief of the Boston Police Department and now chairman of the Board of Cops for Kids with Cancer, made the presentation to the Lambert family.

Mr. Faherty explained that the organization founded by a retired Boston Police captain who had battled cancer himself, raises money for the families of children with cancer. Mr. Faherty noted that during the captain's treatments and battle with the disease, he would find out how difficult it was on the family.

In 2008, the organization delivered checks to 10 families, the following year it was 24, then 36 then 56 and last year, 76 families were presented checks. More than $1.3 million had been raised.

Mr. Faherty emphasized that every dime collected goes to the families and that everyone associated with the Cops for Kids with Cancer, is a volunteer. So far this year, 66 families had received a check, including 11 this month.

Swansea Police Chief George Arruda referred Cops for Kids with Cancer to the family after reaching out to the Lamberts. He had heard about the organization from Somerset Police Chief Joseph Ferreira who noted that the organization had assisted families in his town.

"They (Cops for Kids with Cancer) went through the verification process with the family and announced they would make a presentation," said Chief Arruda.

On Thursday, Mr Faherty presented the family with a quilt made by women who make donations like that. He had other items for Nathan, including a Boston Police patch.

Nathan has been a favorite of others, including the Case High School field hockey and girls soccer teams among others who raised funds for the three and a half year old who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in August.

Since the diagnosis, Mrs. Lambert has cut her hours back at work and Mr. Lambert finds himself working more from home to care for Nathan.

The Lamberts note that Nathan is taking the treatments in stride.

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